Stuart Broad - One of the Best Fast Bowlers Ever | Stats | Wickets

Test cricket has its own beauty and nothing can be compared to it. Youngsters of this generation don’t know how the legends of the game played the longest format with all the grit. Young athletes are more fascinated by power hitting and thus want to play T20 cricket the most. But little do they know how exuberant cricket is. There used to be a tussle between batsman and bowlers, and both of them had the hunger to prove themselves the best. One of such classical bowlers was Stuart Broad. A bowler who was a key symbol of the essence of a excellent fast bowling technique, the beautiful run up, the smooth action and the unparalleled control of the leather cricket ball, Stuart Broad retired as one of the greatest fast bowlers in test cricket. 

In this article by ZAP, let’s know more about Stuart Broad, his career, his life and his records.

Stuart Broad - Early life and Domestic Cricket Career 

Stuart Broad was born on 24 June, 1986 (presently 38 year's old) and he went to Brooke Priory School and Oakham School. Broad was the son of Chris Broad, former England player, who played test cricket from 1984 to 1989. Hence, it’s quite clear where the junior broad got his skills from. He started playing first class domestic cricket for Leicestershire and was later transferred to Nottinghamshire. Interestingly, he started his cricket career as an opening batter but after turning 17 he became a fast bowler. His career started by representing Leicestershire at U9 level. In 2005, he made his first class debut against Durham University Centre of Cricketing Excellence. Later, in the same year, he Played U19 England against Sri Lanka U19 and England A. Not many people know about this, but Broad even played hockey at junior level.

Stuart Broad - International Cricket Debut, Career and Total Wickets

Stuart Broad’s journey at the international stage started when he made his T20 debut on 28 August, 2006 V Pakistan. Impressed by his performance then, he got picked for ODIs  and made his debut on 30 August, 2006 V Pakistan. Next year, in 2007, he made his Test Cricket debut on 9 December, 2007 V Sri Lanka.

Stuart Broad's height of 6ft 6in really helps him extract extra pace and bounce of the pitch. He used to regularly clock 145 kmph with the seam moving in both directions. All these factors combined made him the second highest test wicket taker for England. 

Stuart was in the squad that won 2010 ICC World T20. He is also the world's second highest wicket taker in test cricket after his partner in crime James Anderson. He holds a unique record of hitting a six on the last ball he faced in test cricket and for taking a wicket in the last ball he bowled in test cricket.

It would not be justified if we talk about Broad and not mention James Anderson. Both the players were the stalwarts of the game and played massive contributions on the field. Careers of both the players were benefited with each other's presence as they both used to bowl long spells together, creating that synergy and forming those bowling partnerships. 

Also Read: Swing Bowling Techniques in Cricket | Fast Bowling Gym Workouts

Stuart Broad vs Yuvraj Singh - 6 sixes in an Over:

Stuart Broad has undoubtedly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, but he is part of a record that he'll probably never be proud of. In a match during the 2007 T20 World Cup between India and England, there was a tense moment between Yuvraj Singh and Andrew Flintoff. This encounter fired up Yuvi, who channeled his anger into one of cricket's most iconic moments. He proceeded to smash Stuart Broad for 6 sixes in an over, adding Broad's name in the history of cricket as the first bowler in T20I cricket to be given this treatment. 

Stuart Broad's Retirement from all cricket formats

Stuart Broad announced his retirement from all formats of the game during the 2023 at Ashes putting a full stop to a legacy of over 17 years. He played Last T20 on 31 March 2014 V Netherlands,  Last ODI on 14 February, 2016 V Australia and Last test on 27 July, 2023 V Australia. In November 2023, he released his autobiography called Broadly Speaking as well. 

Stuart Broad - Total Stats and Wickets

Stuart Broad has had a highly successful career across all formats of international cricket. In Tests, he has taken a total of 604 wickets at an average of 27.68. In ODIs, Broad has claimed 178 wickets at an average of 30.13. In T20Is too, he has been a prolific wicket taker with 65 wickets at an impressive average of 22.93 and an economy rate of 7.62. Across all formats combined, Stuart Broad has picked up a total of 847 wickets, with a significant contribution primarily from his stellar performances in Test matches, where he remains one of England's leading wicket-takers of all time.

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